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The Hoovers left Washington, D.C. in 1933. Lou was
looking forward to time in California. She appreciated the informality
of living in Palo Alto where she would have time for books, family,
and fishing trips. Lou Hoover still kept up her work with the Girl Scouts,
and she opened her home to Stanford University functions such as the
Stanford Mother's Club Chrysanthemum Tea.
Lou Hoover transplanted her home one more time. The Hoovers moved to
the Towers at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, so that Herbert
Hoover could work on relief efforts once again. This time it was the
Finnish Relief Fund that was necessary because of the outbreak of World
War II. As Usual, Lou Hoover assisted with the relief work. She was
also elected chairman of the Western Women's Committee that assisted
the Salvation Army in its campaign to gather clothing for the millions
of war refugees in Europe.
After attending a concert with friends
on January 7, 1944, Lou Hoover retired to her bedroom for a brief nap.
About 7:00, she was struck by an acute heart attack from which she didn't
recover. Lou Hoover was 69 years old when she died.
Lou
Henry Hoover was an independent spirit who received from her family
a love of nature and adventure, a sense of self-reliance, and the ability
to value courage. She received from her education a scientific, analytical
mind, and good mental discipline. She received from her husband, Herbert,
a partnership characterized by respect and mutual understanding. She
received from her children and grandchildren
love and admiration. Lou Henry Hoover gave to the world a caring, selfless
woman. She gave to thousands of Girl Scouts, guidance and sustained
work for many years. She gave to the United States exemplary public
service.
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